Letters of Support for MO Utilicare

Join MAAC in sending a letter of support for MO Utilicare to Gov. Nixon

MO Utilicare is similar to federal LIHEAP funding, but originates at the state level. MO discontinued Utilicare several years ago due to budget problems, but may now be willing to consider it again. You can read more about Utilicare on the LIHEAP website here:

The Committee to Keep Missourians Warm (CKMW) is driving a letter campaign to Gov. Nixon to get his support. Below is the letter produced by the committee and attached is the letter sent on behalf of MAAC. MAAC would like to encourage other individuals and agencies to write letters of support to Gov. Nixon as soon as possible. You can send your letters to:

Again this year there is a shortfall in LIHEAP funding. LIHEAP stands for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, funded by the federal government.

The need is far greater than ever before. Individuals that have never sought help are now in the trenches just trying to provide for their families and to survive. The largest growing sector requesting assistance—-our State’s Veterans

Thousands of Missourians are struggling to pay their utility bills. Need in Missouri has continued to grow while funding has diminished dramatically.

Over the past seven years, LIHEAP funding for Missouri has been reduced from $107 million in 2007 to a projected $64 million in fiscal 2014.

In 2007, 124,000 households received assistance and approximately 145,000 in 2013.

We are serving more needy families with less while the need per home is increasing. A troubling trend for the growing number of those in need.

We are asking Governor Nixon and the Legislature of Missouri to appropriate $10 million for Utilicare to assist those facing hardship. Missouri’s Utilicare is a stop-gap for the elderly, disabled and income qualified Missourians to assist them with their winter utility bills.

We’d appreciate your support to fund the Utilicare program thru a supplemental appropriation.